Mr Bailey said thatthe windmill was first opened by the Duke of Gloucester, but this was the first time it had been seen by the princess.

It was a ticketed event with 330 people from the project turning up, while school children also attended from the local primary schools and members of the public gathered at the gates.

Princess Anne at Heckington Windmill (Image: Chris Vaughan)

He said: "She arrived and was shown through the piggeries, through the granary, windmill tower and up through to the meal floor and on to the stone floor. She then went on to the balcony and back round.